That’s right! After more than a year, Disneyland in California is finally reopening! The Disneyland Resort is officially opening its gates again to the public on April 30, 2021. Until June, the park will only be open to California residents. But if you happen to be one of them, then these tips are for you!

No Annual Passholders

If you haven’t heard yet, Disney has eliminated their annual passholder program for the Disneyland Resort. That means nobody inside the state of California is guaranteed to get to walk through those gates anytime soon. If you were not previously a Disneyland passholder, this is a perk for you. However, if you were a passholder (especially if this is the first you are hearing about this change) then this is going to feel like a disadvantage.

Getting Your Tickets

With all of that said, you are going to want to get your tickets as soon as possible. This is especially important if you have a specific day you would like to go, and most importantly if you are trying to go on opening day. Tickets go on sale on the Disneyland website on April 15 at 8 a.m. PST.

We highly recommend being online and ready to go by around 7:50 am. This should give you time to fix your Wi-Fi, or deal with any other potential problems on your end before trying to get those tickets. Don’t load the website until right at 8 a.m. though. You don’t want to fall behind because you have to reload/refresh the website after tickets go on sale.

Park Passes

It is not enough to have valid park admission tickets. You must make a park reservation for your park date as well. Do not be that guest who arrives at the gate only to realize you can’t get in because you did not make your reservations. This is also applicable for Disney World vacations across the country and has been since those parks reopened as well. It does happen.

To make a reservation, you will need to go on the Disneyland app or log onto your account on the Disneyland Website.

Things To Know Before You Go:

As far as we know, Rise of the Resistance will still function as before. We will update if this changes. You will need a boarding pass to ride the new Rise of the Resistance in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disneyland Park. There is no standby line.

Attraction Closures:

Disneyland Park:

  • Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters
  • Chip ’N Dale Treehouse
  • Davy Crockett’s Explorer Canoes
  • Disneyland Monorail
  • Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
  • Donald’s Boat
  • Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage
  • Frontierland Shootin’ Exposition
  • Goofy’s Playhouse
  • Jungle Cruise
  • Main Street Cinema
  • Matterhorn Bobsleds
  • Mickey’s House/Meet Mickey
  • Minnie’s House
  • Pirate’s Lair on Tom Sawyer Island
  • Sailing Ship Columbia
  • Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough
  • Star Wars Launch Bay
  • Storybook Land Canal Boats

Disney’s California Adventure Park:

  • Animation Academy
  • Boudin Bakery Tour
  • Golden Zephyr
  • Grizzly River Run
  • Red Car Trolley
  • Redwood Creek Challenge Trail
  • Sorcerer’s Workshop

Overall Tips:

  1. Best Times to Go This Month: If you can get a reservation during any day of the month of April 2021, you will not have to deal with crowds since capacity will already be so limited. However, that does not automatically mean shorter wait times. Cleaning procedures and other factors may still make for a long wait.
  2. Dress for the weather: It is getting warmer in Anaheim this month. The lowest of temperatures are predicted to be around 55 degrees, with the highs hitting the high 70s. We recommend packing a light jacket in your park bag. Keep in mind that wearing face masks may make it feel warmer.
  3. Morning & Night: The afternoons/evenings are the busiest times at the parks. If you want to maximize your trip, make sure to prioritize opening and/or closing times. Maybe schedule a nap during the busy times.
  4. Eat at off-times: Eat your meals from 10 am-11:30 am, 3-4 pm, and 8-10 pm to avoid crowds. Make sure the restaurant you have in mind is open during these times as well. You can do this by using the Disneyland App.